Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Wine gift buying guide
We've been busy at the store putting together gift sets, helping customers choose wine for gifts, for their parties, or for their xmas/hannukah dinners. So for all of you out there who can't come by, here are some ideas.
Wine as a gift
Wine makes a good gift for everyone from the seasoned connoisseur to the person who just likes to drink it. You can find good wines at low prices and of course you can find crappy wines at high prices. The trick to buying wine for someone else is to figure out what they may like and getting the best possible bottle in your price range.
For the wine snob in your life, the importance should be on quality. They'll know what is good and what isn't so you're best off seeking something that rates well and maybe a little out of the ordinary. Chards and cabs are nice but the true wine type would appreciate something special like an offbeat regional variety, a fancy dessert wine or bottle of bubbly. Ask the clerk if they have anything exclusive in the area, nothing impresses wine snobs more than something they have that no one else can get. If the recipient is a budget buyer, something a little more expensive would be a nice treat that they ordinarily wouldn't splurge for themselves.
If you know someone likes a certain type of wine, say california Zinfandel, you're in luck. The guess work of what to get is taken care of, all you need to do is find something that will work well as a gift. There are plenty of producers who make fine Zins, some of them are familiar some are relatively obscure. I'd recommend finding something a little out of the ordinary to introduce them to something new. Here again is where your clerk comes in handy.
Champagne and fine sparkling wines are always fun. With the family celebrations and New Years coming up, it is also a handy thing to have around. As such, it is a terrific gift. In fact, many brands have optional gift packaging for this very occasion. If you're buying for an expecting couple, someone looking to buy a home or anyone who may have something to celebrate, it is a thoughtful gift which will come in handy at the right time. Dessert wines fit in this category as well. Port and Christmastime go hand in hand and again, it's one of those things that people might not always buy for themselves. Vintage ports cost a little more and are treated more like wine once they're open. Tawny ports have a longer shelf life after being opened so consider that when making your purchase.
If you're hoping to ship wine afar, check your state and the recipients state for laws governing such shipments. The recent supreme court ruling has eased the rules on shipping wine but each state still has its own rules. Make sure you check with the retailer before ordering.
Wine as a gift
Wine makes a good gift for everyone from the seasoned connoisseur to the person who just likes to drink it. You can find good wines at low prices and of course you can find crappy wines at high prices. The trick to buying wine for someone else is to figure out what they may like and getting the best possible bottle in your price range.
For the wine snob in your life, the importance should be on quality. They'll know what is good and what isn't so you're best off seeking something that rates well and maybe a little out of the ordinary. Chards and cabs are nice but the true wine type would appreciate something special like an offbeat regional variety, a fancy dessert wine or bottle of bubbly. Ask the clerk if they have anything exclusive in the area, nothing impresses wine snobs more than something they have that no one else can get. If the recipient is a budget buyer, something a little more expensive would be a nice treat that they ordinarily wouldn't splurge for themselves.
If you know someone likes a certain type of wine, say california Zinfandel, you're in luck. The guess work of what to get is taken care of, all you need to do is find something that will work well as a gift. There are plenty of producers who make fine Zins, some of them are familiar some are relatively obscure. I'd recommend finding something a little out of the ordinary to introduce them to something new. Here again is where your clerk comes in handy.
Champagne and fine sparkling wines are always fun. With the family celebrations and New Years coming up, it is also a handy thing to have around. As such, it is a terrific gift. In fact, many brands have optional gift packaging for this very occasion. If you're buying for an expecting couple, someone looking to buy a home or anyone who may have something to celebrate, it is a thoughtful gift which will come in handy at the right time. Dessert wines fit in this category as well. Port and Christmastime go hand in hand and again, it's one of those things that people might not always buy for themselves. Vintage ports cost a little more and are treated more like wine once they're open. Tawny ports have a longer shelf life after being opened so consider that when making your purchase.
If you're hoping to ship wine afar, check your state and the recipients state for laws governing such shipments. The recent supreme court ruling has eased the rules on shipping wine but each state still has its own rules. Make sure you check with the retailer before ordering.
# posted by Yossie @ 3:09 PM 
